On Sunday 5th October 2025, members from Kent, Eastbourne and Wealden RAYNET Group joined forces to provide vital communications support for the Hastings Half Marathon. With over 3,000 runners taking part, this year’s event marked the return of the race after a reschedule earlier in the year due to a police incident that forced its postponement.
Supporting a Major Community Event
The course winds through Hastings and along the seafront — a location that brings both beauty and technical challenges. With such a large field of competitors, our team’s task was to ensure continuous, reliable communication between marshals, medical teams, and event control throughout the 13.1-mile route.
It was a great example of RAYNET’s collaborative spirit — groups working together to keep an important community event running safely and smoothly.
Radio Operations and Procedures
The communications setup for the day used the repeater MB9ABK, with the familiar principle of “Talk on two, listen on seventy.” This setup ensured that control could reach all stations even across the complex terrain of Hastings.
- Repeater transmit: 2 Meters (100 Hz tone)
- Repeater receive: 70 Centimetres (no tone)
- Backup simplex: 2 Meters
Tactical callsigns followed the format Area 1 MP01, with “MP” spoken as “Em Pee”. Control operated under the callsign G7ECU, and each operator identified with their personal callsign at the end of transmissions, for example, “…from M0NLP, out.”
Clear, concise communication was key. Operators kept transmissions brief, broke long messages every ten seconds to allow for urgent traffic, and followed standard RAYNET prowords and procedures for safety and clarity.
Field Conditions and Logistics
Hastings’ seafront is always lively, and with visitors moving around the area, marshals were advised to keep whistles handy to help maintain clear paths. The revised route meant runners used the promenade nearest the beach — a popular area for tourists sorting out parking and payments!
Parking remained a challenge for volunteers, with early arrival recommended due to the town’s busy nature. Despite the logistical hurdles, the team’s coordination was excellent throughout the day.
With such a large turnout, incidents such as retirements and minor injuries increased as expected. Operators were equipped with water, space blankets, and local knowledge to provide immediate assistance until event medical teams arrived. The 4×4 Response Group was also on standby to repatriate any retired runners.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Testing before the event revealed that there was no single ideal repeater site offering full coverage of the course. However, direct 2-metre paths to control were available in most areas, providing reliable backup communications. Operators who monitored the 70cm output frequency could hear control and other stations, helping to reduce the risk of doubling.
As always, good radio discipline paid off. Operators used headsets to prevent feedback, monitored their signals closely, and adapted to the terrain to maintain communication links.
Working Together
The 2025 Hastings Half was more than just a successful event — it was a testament to the cooperation and professionalism of volunteers from multiple RAYNET groups. The partnership between Kent, Eastbourne and Wealden team ensured that the event ran smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Thanks go to everyone who gave up their time and early starts to make this operation such a success. Events like this truly demonstrate the value of amateur radio and RAYNET’s ongoing role in public service.
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